Editorial: Republicans can weather the storm

Aug. 5, 2007

Frontiersman Editorial

Like sharks, Alaska Democrats are riling themselves into a frenzy over the bleeding of a few Republican state lawmakers.

Spurred by tired clichés that the time is ripe to level the playing field of state politics, the Dems in the state's minority party would have voters believe they are playing the saintly David to the Republican Goliath.

What has Alaska Dems salivating more than a St. Bernard in a house made of hamburger is the troubles of four former state representatives. Pete Kott, Bruce Weyhrauch and Vic Kohring face federal indictments for bribery and corruption charges for their alleged dealings with former VECO Corp. honcho Bill Allen. Add the recent conviction of Tom Anderson for bribery and corruption and Democrats have convinced themselves they have enough ammunition to start a political revolution.

State politics isn't about kicking the other lawmaker across the aisle when he's down, it's about a gathering of elected officials brought together to represent their communities and their interests in the lawmaking process.

It's true the Alaska Republican party has suffered many black eyes in recent years, but the Republican lawmakers don't have a lock on unethical behavior; a cloud of doubt is currently hanging over the head of Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich for questionable zoning changes that benefited business associates of the mayor.

You wouldn't throw out a freezer full of prime steak because one filet developed freezer burn, and you can't justify claims that the state's Republican Party and its other 31 lawmakers are guilty by association.

Fact is, Alaska voters are very fair and open-minded. While Republicans enjoy a majority in the Legislature - 11-9 in the Senate and 24-16 in the House - it's not overwhelming.

For residents of the Mat-Su Valley, we've had a front-row seat watching the troubles of Kohring, our former District 14 representative. While he's made headlines with his arrest, upcoming trial and resignation from the House, what's sadly been overlooked is how our other public servants have quietly gone on performing the public's business.

We should hold our office-holders to the highest of standards. If you betray the public's trust, you pay the piper - no exceptions.

While the clamoring for a change in party dominance may sound good to those making the noise, it rings hollow here because we know these people.

We know Rep. Carl Gato, R-Palmer, of District 13. We know Rep. Mark Neuman, R-Mat-Su, of District 15. We also know our newest legislator, Rep. Wes Keller, R-Wasilla, who's been chosen to fill Kohring's seat. And we know Sen. Lyda Green, R-Mat-Su, and Sen. Charlie Huggins, R-Wasilla.

And let's not forget about our Commander in Chief, Gov. Sarah Palin, who has been a champion for much-needed ethics reform within her party and the state.

Lawmakers would be wise to remember that politics should always be about the people they represent and not party affiliation.